32.019 Agonopterix ciliella Copyright Martin Evans
32.019 Agonopterix ciliella and Agonopterix heracliana Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 32.019 Agonopterix ciliella Copyright Martin Evans

Depressariidae

32.019 Banded Brindled Brown Agonopterix ciliella (Stainton, 1849)

Common

Similar species: Agonopterix heracliana has three obvious bands on the hindwing cilia (plus occasionally some extremely faint bands in between), while Agonopterix ciliella has five obvious bands on the cilia. For a positive identification check the genitalia.

Forewing: 9 to 11.5mm

Habitats: Damp meadows, fens, marshes and river-banks.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva spins an umbellifer leaflet into a silk tube, although it may also feed on the flowers or developing seeds. It uses a wide range of species including Wild Angelica, Wild Parsnip, Pepper Saxifrage, Ground Elder and many others. It pupates in the earth or in the leaf litter.